In this episode of Life’s Tough, Explorers are Tougher, host Richard Wiese speaks with Dr. Martin Nweeia, a dental surgeon, Arctic marine mammal scientist, dental anthropologist, educator, and leading researcher of the narwhal — the Arctic whale often called the “real-life unicorn.”Nweeia also shares his unconventional path from childhood dreams of music and heart surgery to a career that blends dentistry, anthropology, and Arctic exploration. His work with Inuit hunters in the Canadian Arctic revealed insights that challenge traditional scientific assumptions about narwhal behavior and diving ability.Beyond science, the conversation explores deeper lessons about curiosity, cultural knowledge, and how indigenous communities approach nature and life differently from modern Western societies. For Nweeia, studying the narwhal became more than a scientific quest — it became a journey into exploration, humility, and the importance of living with curiosity and purpose. This is Life's Tough, Explorers Are Tougher, with your host, Richard Weiss. Scratch the surface of an explorer and you'll find an adventure and a great story. This show is about their tales. This podcast is a proud supporter of the Explorers Club and the EC50 Initiative.  50 people changing the world that the world needs to know about. For more information, go to explorers.org.